Ace Hotel. Could it be any more Portland if it tried? Good vibes, minimalist-chic decor, awesome music, hipster bikes and fierce supporters of everything local. I could go on. It even has its very own Stumptown Coffee joint!

Located in the Pearl District, Ace Hotel is truly at the heart of it all. Smack bang between great coffee and its own dining room Clyde Common and cocktail bar Pepe Le Moko and only a block away from the famous Powell's bookstore and other dining haunts like Tasty & Alder and the cultish Blue Star Donuts.

We stayed for four nights over the New Years break in a Standard Room at $230 USD per night. The rooms are pretty minimal, fitted out with comfortable futon-style beds and locally crafted furniture.

Loved being greeted with local goodies on the bed and a personalised note. For New Year's Eve we were given a thoughtfully curated list of what was happening in the city based on what mood you were in. It was these touches that made our stay uber special. And that mini-bar choc full of local goodness was something else. The room formerly known as 215 serves up, a delicious European-style continental breakfast every morning to guests. Dive in before you start your day. I don't think I could ever stay in a corporate chain hotel again!

The real highlight of Ace is definitely the communal areas. Tempting travellers outside of their rooms into the lobby. You'll find creatives tapping away on their Macbooks, exchanging stories or even just people watching. Make sure you check out the vintage black and white photobooth and get some snaps. It was always buzzing, an endless hive of activity. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough.